Alvin Zhakata Finally Makes It To Cairo

Alvin Zhakata has arrived in Cairo, Egypt, ten days after Zimbabwe’s Afcon campaign came to an end.

The national team fan had taken a road trip from Cape Town in South Africa across Africa to support the Warriors at the tournament which is currently underway in Egypt.

However, his adventure was marred by many challenges including a five-day delay at the Kenya-Ethiopia border.

Zhakata’s South African counterpart Msila Botha gave up at this point, and took a flight to Egypt, leaving him to finish the journey alone.

The Warriors fan arrived in Cairo this afternoon.Soccer24Zimbabwe

MDC Youth Leader Detained On Trumped-Up Charges Of Incitement to Commit Public Violence

MDC Youth Assembly secretary-general Gift Ostallos Siziba has been detained on trumped-up charges of incitement to commit public violence.

The charges arise from remarks he allegedly made at a rally in Glen Norah in Harare on Sunday. Siziba has been detained just at the time the MDC is seized with establishing the whereabouts of detained MDC Vice-Chairman Hon. Job Sikhala, who was expected to appear in court today.

His lawyers, party officials and members of the Sikhala family have been stood up until late this afternoon. Hon. Sikhala did not show up at court and the police have not bothered to explain his whereabouts.

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Hon. Sikhala is facing trumped-up charges of subverting a constitutionally elected government.

Siziba went to Harare Central Police Station CID Law and Order section this morning accompanied by his lawyers, Moses Nkomo and Agency Gumbo. The police refused to release him into their custody pending his appearance in court tomorrow.

Hon. Sikhala and Siziba’s detention exposes the Mnangagwa callous nature of Mnangagwa’s administration, which has been trying to hoodwink Zimbabweans and the international community that they are different from the oppressive regime of former president Robert Mugabe.

The detention of the two MDC senior officials, the recent clamp-down on civil society activists and MPs have exposed this regime for what it really is.

The brutal murder of innocent Zimbabweans on August 1, 2018, and in January 2019 have shown that Mnangagwa has never been a reformist, contrary to his posturing to the world and to the diplomatic community.

In short, this is not in any way the Second Republic but a brutal continuation of the First.

Luke Tamborinyoka
Deputy National Spokesperson
Movement for Democratic Change

Crocodile True Colours Revealed -MDC

MDC Youth Assembly secretary-general Gift Ostallos Siziba, has been detained on trumped-up charges of incitement to commit public violence.

The charges arise from remarks he allegedly made at a rally in Glen Norah in Harare on Sunday. Siziba has been detained just at the time the MDC is seized with establishing the whereabouts of detained MDC Vice Chairman Hon. Job Sikhala, who was expected to appear in court today. His lawyers, party officials and members of the Sikhala family have been stood up until late this afternoon. Hon. Sikhala did not show up at court and the police have not bothered to explain his whereabouts.

Hon. Sikhala is facing trumped-up charges of subverting a constitutionally elected government.

Siziba went to Harare Central Police Station CID Law and Order section this morning accompanied by his lawyers, Moses Nkomo and Agency Gumbo. The police refused to release him into their custody pending his appearance in court tomorrow.

Hon. Sikhala and Siziba’s detention expose the Mnangagwa callous nature of Mnangagwa’s administration, which has been trying to hoodwink Zimbabweans and the international community that they are different from the oppressive regime of former president Robert Mugabe.

The detention of the two MDC senior officials, the recent clamp-down on civil society activists and MPs have exposed this regime for what it really is. The brutal murder of innocent Zimbabweans on August 1, 2018 and in January 2019 have shown that Mnangagwa has never been a reformist, contrary to his posturing to the world and to the diplomatic community.

In short, this is not in any way a Second Republic but a brutal continuation of the First.

Luke Tamborinyoka
Deputy National Spokesperson
Movement for Democratic Change

Luke Tamborinyoka

Just In- 10yrs Behind Bars For Armed Robber

ONE of the three men who ganged up and robbed a Bulawayo gold dealer of US$2 000, R25 000, $6 000 RTGS and 143g of gold at gunpoint has been sentenced to an effective 10 years in jail.

Richfield Mpofu (30) connived with Michael Ngwenya and Mthokozisi Tshabalala, who are both still at large and robbed Ms Privilege Ndlovu after raiding her home in Kumalo suburb.

Mpofu was convicted of armed robbery by Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Mafios Moyo and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment of which two years were suspended for five years on condition that he does not within that period commit a similar offence.-StateMedia

Shock As Axe Wielding Men Attack Miner, Leaving Him For Dead

FIVE men allegedly attacked a miner at Hope Fountain with knobkerries, bricks and axes leaving him for dead.

Shadreck Ncube (32) and Zvataida Zhou (38) and three others who are still at large intended to steal a carbon capture machine and allegedly attacked Mr Ben Dube (28) who was on duty at Carrymine in Hope Fountain, on the outskirts of Bulawayo.

Ncube and Zhou pleaded not guilty to attempted murder before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Franklin Mkhwananzi.-StateMedia

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23yr Old Missing UZ Student Murdered?

. . corpse found wounded, tied in Mazowe dam

A University of Zimbabwe student was grisly murdered and thrown into Mazowe Dam by yet-to be identified assailants.

Tinotenda Zveguta’s lifeless body was found floating in the dam on Sunday with hands tied to his legs by cable ties.

Zveguta (23),was a third-year Vet Science student.

The deceased was also found with lacerations and wounds on his body which could point to being attacked before being thrown into the water.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident saying foul play could not be ruled out while police were still conducting investigations.

“We cannot rule out foul play and we are still investigating.

“Further investigations will provide pointers from the time he went missing, people he was with up to the time he was found dead,” Ass Comm Nyathi said.

The family yesterday could not be drawn into commenting on the issue with the elder brother saying he was busy attending to some issues.

UZ Student’s Representative Committee (SRC), president Fanuel Kaseke said he was mobilising other students to attend the funeral.

“We are very saddened by the untimely death of Tinotenda Zveguta a part 3 student from the faculty of Vet Science.

“As the University of Zimbabwe students’ union we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. May they find solace and comfort in the Lord.

“We will organise a bus for students to attend the burial in Hurungwe,” he said.

It is reported that when Zveguta went missing on July 2, he was in an emotionally unstable state and he told some of his friends that he was going to Mutare; others were told that he was going to Bindura from Harare.

Andy Muridzo’s Manager Quits

By A Correspondent- Contemporary musician Andy Muridzo has parted ways with his manager Gift Petro after three years.

Reports say the two ended their ‘affair’ over the weekend with Petro indicating that he was pursuing other avenues presented in his way.

The news comes after a lot has been happening in the musician’s camp with Petro citing imposition and mismanagement from Andy’s new wife, Nyarie, who is being accused of running things from their bedroom.

Gift, one of the longest-serving members of the Jeetaz Band, had overseen the production of Andy’s Tichambotenderera and Munondo albums.

“I have tried my best to push Andy’s brand since I joined him in 2016 but my hands seem to be tied now.

“Ever since he moved in with his new wife, she has brought divisions that are slowing everything down in the camp. I can’t work under such conditions and I don’t answer to ‘petticoat government’.

“I have been hanging on for some time now and my departure which comes after other band members had left should be a sign enough that his empire is crumbling,” said Petro.

Petro said his move is a blessing in disguise.

“I am currently studying towards a Business Management degree at the University of Zimbabwe and registered my own and events management company which I intend to open soon.

“I would have loved to continue working with Andy, reengage corporates with him and to rebrand him but the environment is no longer friendly for such business,” he claimed.

Sources say, Onisimo Saini has taken over in the meantime whilst others say Nyarie’s brother John Mukucha is the favourite to land the post.

Petro also lamented the way Andy is falling for Nyarie’s influence.

“All those following news around Andy will learn that it’s only less than three months since nine members left and formed their band and now I am quitting.

“I even tried to warn him against dumping his former wife and children to move in with Nyarie at her Mt Pleasant house, now everything seems to be backfiring,” he added.

Contacted for comment, Andy could not confirm or deny the fallout with Petro.

“I am choosing to concentrate on my forthcoming album which is due on August 22.

“I am in the studio 24/7 and won’t be dragged into any issues at the moment. I have even cancelled a few shows to make sure the album is done,” said Andy.

At his helm, Petro managed to organise tours in South Africa, UK and Botswana for the singer.

Petro was also on the forefront fighting in Andy’s corner after the Bev saga and the musician’s hit-and-run accident scandal that saw him being fined $450 by the courts.

Petro also becomes the third handler to leave the Dherira hit-maker after Filda ‘Mama Filo’ Muchabaiwa and Simbarashe Nyaunga.

To date, Petro has been involved with other artistes such as Pah Chihera, Kapfupi and Botswana’s Slizer and Charma Gal.

Water Woes To Persist In Byo

By A Correspondent- The water crisis in Bulawayo is set to continue after Bulawayo City Council failed to finish the rehabilitation of key water infrastructure within the scheduled timeframe.

All residential areas were again cut off this Tuesday while other areas did not get a drop since Tuesday last week.

In a statement on Tuesday (yesterday), Bulawayo Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube revealed that the situation will only be restored to normalcy when water capacity in its reservoirs has improved.

Said, Dube:

The City of Bulawayo would like to advise members of the public that we will be closing the whole City until the system stabilises.

Water supplies were re-opened on Sunday, 7 July 2019 and Monday, 8 July 2019 to allow for temporary relief following the shutdown to facilitate rehabilitation of the Criterion Water Works.

The City of Bulawayo advises residents that the works are still ongoing and we are currently operating at 50 per cent capacity, with efforts to finalise the current works as a matter of urgency.

The very high water demand of 157 ML vis a vis production of 105 ML has resulted in key Reservoirs dropping to a below critical level that is Criterion and Magwegwe Reservoirs.

It is anticipated that this shutdown will allow for the system to stabilise after which we will resume the 48-hour water-shedding programme.

We are aware of all the areas which have not yet received water and we will be supplying these with water bowsers. Residents are encouraged to liaise with their councillors as well as the City of Bulawayo Call Centre.

Meanwhile, hospitals, industry, mines and the Central Business District have been exempted from the blanket shutdown.-Chronicle

Thousands Of Pupils’ Performance Affected By Water, Power Cuts

By A Correspondent- Water and power cuts in the country’s second-largest city, Bulawayo, are hampering activities at learning institutions.

Bulawayo Provincial Education Director Mrs Olicah Kaira said that thousands of pupils are being affected.

Practical subjects which require electricity to be conducted, such as food and nutrition, Fashion and Fabrics, Woodwork, Metal Work, Computer Science, Biology, Physics and Chemistry have been negatively impacted.

Evening lessons have also been disrupted as ZESA normally restore power close to midnight.

Kaira bemoaned the effects of electricity and water cuts.

She said:

Agricultural projects, poultry rearing, school feeding and general health care is compromised. The weekly cuts are having a toll on institutions in general.

Operations are compromised especially with power cuts when schools need to run the mid-year exams. Computers and printers are not working. Schools need water and electricity to be fully functional.

Lawyers Cry Foul As Sikhala “Disappears” Resurfaces In Bikita

Mthuli Ncube To Hire “Communications Guru” To Explain Gvnt Policies

By A Correspondent- Finance and Economic Development minister, Mthuli Ncube, has said that they will be hiring a communications person to help them explain government policies to the general populace.

Speaking on Monday during a Daily News organised Business Breakfast Forum held to discuss the implications of the re-introduction of the Zimbabwe dollar, Ncube that government’s policies were not being properly communicated.

Ncube said:

We are hiring a new communications person to help us communicate better. I think we are almost there with that and I think we can do better (to communicate), including also in vernacular languages and so forth. We could do better with communications.

Guests had expressed that the re-introduction of the Zimbabwe dollar through Statutory Instrument (SI) 142 of 2019 was a surprise development.

Ncube’s response was also addressing Harare lawyer Effort Jera’s question on whether the country’s currency issue will likely destabilise the country as there are three pending High court applications challenging SI 142.

Jera also asked if people can actually have confidence in the system, considering allegations of policy inconsistency. In response, Ncube said that it was fundamental for government policies to be predictable and consistent. He said what happened with SI 142 was unlikely to be seen in the future.

Previously, the Finance minister unexpectedly appointed Acie Lumumba, real name William Gerald Mutumanje as head of the Finance ministry communications committee last October. Lumumba, however, lasted only three days on the job within which he implicated senior Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe officials in illegal foreign currency deals.

Woes Mount For Mnangagwa As Civil Servants Reject $11.28 Pay Rise

By A Correspondent- The deputy chairman of the Apex Council, a group of public sector unions, Thomas Muzondo, has said that public sector workers have rejected a government offer of ZW$180 million (US$21 million) in added pay for the July-December period. The workers are saying that the money is inadequate given the soaring inflation.

If the deal was accepted, each of about 309,000 civil servants would be receiving an additional ZW$97, approximately US$11.28) a month. The lowest paid government worker earns 430 Zimbabwe dollars a month.

Speaking to Reuters, Muzondo said:

We totally rejected that offer so they (government negotiators) will go back to their principals for further consultations.

It was a total waste of time.

He said the full Apex Council would meet in the capital Harare on Wednesday (today) to decide its next step.

This comes at a time when the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions last month threatened to take it to the streets in protest of the reintroduction of the Zimbabwe dollar and ban of all foreign currencies for domestic transactions through Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019.

The government has since January been boasting of recording a budget surplus. Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube, today (10/07/2019) told guests and chairman of Alpha Media Holdings, Trevor Ncube, that the surplus was being channelled towards other social and economic needs including importation of grain (wheat and maize), fuel and electricity which are currently scarce.-Reuters

Load Shedding Back To Stage 2 Over Technical Glitch At Hwange

By Own Correspondent- Hwange power station has been hit by a technical challenge putting load shedding back to stage 2, spokesperson of the ZESA Fullard Gwasira has said.

Said Gwasira:

“Depressed generation at Hwange since two hours ago due to a technical challenge. Load shedding is now back to stage 2.”

https://twitter.com/GwasiraFullard/status/1148953141779582984

“Mine Is A Finance- Political Job”: Mthuli Ncube

By A Correspondent- Finance Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, has said that when he got appointed as the Minister of Finance, he thought his job was purely financial and detached from politics.

He said that it has however since dawned to him that he had to balance between politics and finance.

Speaking during an interview with the chairman of Alpha Media Holdings, Trevor Ncube, the minister said:

Initially, I thought it’s a finance job. Very quickly, it became a finance-political job and most of the times it’s a political job.

He also said that it was imperative to recognise that finance in government follow politics and certain devices are political.

The Minister added that the manifesto of the party in power has to be in sync with the policies of the finance ministry or vice versa.

He added that sometimes he would implement some projects which sound very political in nature. For him, what matters is that the development initiatives in question address the issues affecting the people.-Newsday

Warriors Supporter “Aluvah” Arrives In Egypt To A “Warriorless” AFCON

By A Correspondent- Staunch Warriors Supporter, Alvin Aluvah Zhakata, has reportedly arrived in Egypt for the 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations which began on the 21st of June.

Aluvah embarked on a road journey with his South African counterpart, Botha around 12 June 2019.

The duo was temporarily barred from entering into Ethiopia with authorities demanding visas which the two soccer fans did not have. Consequently, they had to return to the Kenyan side of the border to fix the papers. After a six-day delay, Aluvah proceeded with the journey.

Below is a picture of Zhakata in Egypt soon after his arrival:

Sadly, Aluvah arrives at a time When the Warriors have since returned home after embarrassingly crashing out of the tournament. The Warriors performed dismally, scoring only one goal through Khama Billiat in all Group A matches.

Warriors captain, Knowledge Musona missed golden chances that could have seen the team progressing to the quarterfinals. Goalkeeper Chipezeze was also at fault when the Warriors suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the DRC Leopards.

Meanwhile, all teams that were in Group A have since crashed out of the tournament. The hosts, the Pharaohs of Egypt were sent packing by Zimbabwe neighbours, South Africa which is locking horns with Nigeria tonight at 2100 hours, Zimbabwean time.

Cranborne Boys High School Students Demonstrate.

Cranborne Boys High School students demonstrate. Picture by Jon Ward

CRANBORNE Boys High School staged a demonstration earlier today against the school head Mr Dennis Masenga who is being accused of mismanagement and misappropriation of funds at the school.

Mr Masenga is also accused of allegedly forcing students to secure their own stationery for examination purposes, turning the students’ bathrooms into a fowl run for his personal use and victimising students and teachers at the school.

The Cranborne Boys High School students also raised concern on school’s failure to participate at national sporting events and failure to maintain sporting facilities such as the rugby field which is an eye sore. The dysfunctional toilets are a health time bomb as burst sewer systems are left unattended.

The students have threatened to continue with the demonstrations until their concerns are addressed

Govt “Insults” Workers With $11.28 Salary Increase.

.Zimbabwe's government HAS offered its workers 180 million Zimbabwe dollars additional pay for the July to December period.
.Zimbabwe’s government HAS offered its workers 180 million Zimbabwe dollars additional pay for the July to December period.

Zimbabwe’s government on Tuesday offered its workers 180 million Zimbabwe dollars ($21 million) additional pay for the July to December period, which unions rejected as inadequate in the face of soaring inflation, a public sector union official said.

The amount, to be shared by 309,000 civil servants, would see each worker receiving only an additional $11.28 a month, Thomas Muzondo, the deputy chairman of public sector union Apex Council told Reuters after a meeting with government negotiators.

Workers have rejected the offer which they have described as an insult on them by the government.

“Mnangagwa Just Step Down”

North America Province Statement on illegal arrests and harassment of Opposition Members July 10 2019.

Chief Svosve, Tawanda Dzvokora

MDC NAP registers its displeasure on the illegal and unwarranted persecution of MDC and other opposition members. MDC NAP has noted the worrying trends of illegal arrests and detention on frivolous charges of many human rights defenders that is worsening in Zimbabwe. Hon Job Sikhala becomes the 21st Zimbabwean charged with subversion, a charge meant nothing else but to silence him. Gift Ostallos Siziba currently being charged with inciting violence, is another bad turn Zimbabwe is taking where it’s citizens are muzzled and forced into silence.

As MDC NAP we call upon Zanu PF and Emmerson Mnangagwa to stop these political persecutions and rather focus on addressing challenges bedevilling the country. It is these unattended challenges that are brooding discontent among citizens. It is their failure to turn around the fortunes of the country that is making their regime unpopular and resented by the public.

We therefore demand the unconditional release of all political prisoners and a change of focus that will save the country from running further into a rabbit hole.

We urge Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign as he has clearly failed to utilise the stolen chance to lead. The situation obtaining in Zimbabwe if unresolved has over matured to ignite insurrection from the ordinary people which will be unfortunate and avoidable by doing the right thing. Zimbabweans have been patient and they should be respected for that. Their patience should not be abused but rather respected.

It is our duty to lobby the international community and we will continously do such until change come.

Tawanda Svosve Dzvokora
NAP Chairperson

Warriors Fan Drives From Cape To Cairo By Road, Only To Find Warriors Long Back Home

Alvin Zhakata

Warriors’ die-hard fan Alvin ‘Aluvah’ Zhakata has completed his trip from Cape to Cairo by road and arrived in the Egyptian capital only to find the national team long gone.

A daring Zhakata, a staunch Dynamos supporter, embarked on the journey to watch the 2019 Afcon finals together with his South African counterpart, Botha Msila, who later abandoned the road trip and flew to Cairo.

Zhakata however persevered despite challenges at some points of entry until he finally arrived.

After a long silence that had made people concerned, Zhakata resurfaced on social media where he posted that he had made history by completing a road trip from Capetown to Cairo.

“History made. The first and only human being to complete a journey by road Cape to Cairo for a sporting tournament is a proud Zimbabwean named Alvin Zhakata,” he posted.

Sadly, Zhakata arrives in Egypt at a time his exited the stage in embarrassing fashion after being dismissed by 4 nil ny the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He is likely to join his friend, Msila, in supporting Bafana Bafana who are facing Nigeria in the quarter finals of the tournament after pushing out hosts Egypt on Saturday.

Bafana Players Guaranteed R670k Each If They Beat Nigeria In AFCON Quarter

Bafana Bafana have a lot riding on their game against Nigeria.

CAIRO – Should Bafana Bafana overcome Nigeria in Wednesday night’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal clash, the bonus payment for each player will rise to a cool R670 000.

For most of the South African contingent, that amount is roughly (on average) four times what they would earn in a single month with their respective clubs.

As it stands, the Bafana players have already pocketed a tidy sum of R520 000 for their efforts in Egypt, which of course included a famous 1-0 win over the host nation last weekend.

That was after the South African Football Association (Safa) reportedly stood by their promise of paying a R320 000 bonus for making it past the group stage, despite Bafana having scraped through as the fourth (and final) best third place finisher from the six groups.

Now the R520 000 could potentially climb to R670 000 – if Bafana can overcome a star-studded Super Eagles side at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday.

The 1996 Afcon champs can take some confidence from their recent clashes with Nigeria: a 2-0 away win in June 2017, and a 1-1 home draw in November 2018, both games of which were Afcon 2019 qualifiers.

The Super Eagles players have meanwhile picked up around R670 000 for their efforts so far, and will get R920 000 each should they make the semifinals.

Overall though the west African nation hold an advantage over Bafana: in 13 matches, Bafana have won just twice, with six wins for Nigeria and five draws.

South Africa have not reached the semis of an Afcon tournament since 2000, when they ended third.

Apart from 2013, when they made the quarterfinals on home soil, Bafana have been eliminated at the group phase in their last five appearances at the continental tournament.

Should Bafana go all the way and win the 2019 Afcon, each player stands to take home R920 000. 

African News Agency (ANA)

Soweto Riots Over Power Cuts Intensify

image
Protea 6 block for resident block the Emndeni Link Road.

Residents in Meadowlands Zone 8 took to the streets yesterday after three weeks of no electricity due to a exploded transformer.

Residents barricaded roads and burnt tyres in the morning and late afternoon.

The ward councillor Happyboy Molobye said he has logged a call with Eskom to solve the issue. “I went with some delegates from the community on July 5 and Eskom said they would provide feedback, I am currently awaiting feedback from Eskom about the matter,” said Molobye.

Residents wrote petitions and held meetings trying to get the matter resolved but to no avail.

Zone 8 resident Lillian Nemkondeni explained the grievances that they have as residents, “We haven’t had power for the past 3 weeks, when we personally go to Eskom they do not assist us because the councillor is supposed to write to Eskom on our behalf but no one is getting back to us about that ,” said Nemkondeni.

Another resident Magauta Mohlabane explained how the situation affected them as residents.

“This situation is problematic for us because we cannot get children ready for school and surviving on paraffin stoves and candles is not practical, we are running businesses they are suffering too,” said Mohlabane.

A meeting where a memorandum of understanding was submitted by various ward councillors to Eskom was held today where feedback was said to be provided in the next 7 days, residents however still remain in the dark.

On another related incident, angry residents in Protea 6 block 4 near Emndeni blocked the Emndeni Link Road yesterday in protest over electricity cut due to the transformer failure; this comes after they spent 5 weeks without electricity.

Emndeni Link Road was closed by protesters, the protesters threatened to continue with the protest until their electricity is restored.

According to the community leader Nyeko Mahlawule the electricity was cut off when Eskom was repairing the transformer.

Mahlawule said they reported the transformer to Eskom 3 months back when they noticed that it was oil leaking as they faired that it may burst.

“Eskom delayed to come and repair the transformer and when they did come they did not finish the community has been without electricity for 5 weeks, we have been in communication with them they said they will come to fix it but we waited long enough,” said Mahlwawule.

The protesters said the police started to shoot them with a rubber bullet when they attempted to block the R558 high way.

“The community got angry when they saw the councillor, myself and others communicate with the police without them that is when they started blocking the road,” he continued.

“I do not understand why the police were shooting at us because this was a peaceful protest we did not vandalize anything, the traffic lights are still standing we were not attacking motorist all we did was block the road because we can see that this the only way we will be listened to,” said Mahlawule.

Latest from Soweto Urban

Mnangagwa Sends Chasi With Power Begging Bowl

Fortune Chasi

Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi is in South Africa to finalise a power import deal with Eskom as the Government moves to reduce power shortages.

Minister Chasi’s trip to South Africa follows discussions between President Mnangagwa and his South African counterpart President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Niger from July 4 to 8.

Critically, the discussions came after Government paid US$10 million to Eskom, as part of efforts to address its obligations for imported power.

Minister Chasi is also expected to visit Mozambique on a similar mission.

President Mnangagwa met President Felipe Nyusi of Mozambique during the US-Africa Summit recently and discussed possibilities of increasing power imports to Zimbabwe, which is facing acute electricity challenges due to low water levels at Kariba Hydro Power Station, and aging equipment at Hwange Thermal Power Station.

Rolling power outages have seen most parts of the country going without electricity for over 12 hours.

Addressing a Press conference on the 24th Cabinet Meeting Decision Matrix yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said Minister Chasi was expected to meet his counterpart Gwede Mantashe during his visit.

“Cabinet received the weekly brief on the Energy and Power Supply Situation by the Acting Minister of Energy and Power Development, Joel Biggie Matiza,” she said.

“Cabinet noted that, following meetings between His Excellency President Mnangagwa and his South African and Mozambican counterparts, the two Heads of State had expressed their countries’ firm commitment to assist Zimbabwe to overcome its current energy and power supply challenges.

“As a consequence of this encouraging development, the Minister of Energy and Power Development is currently in South Africa, and is soon to head to Mozambique for detailed discussions with his counterparts on possible increased power imports for Zimbabwe. The nation will be advised on the outcome of the discussions in due course.”

In his briefings to the media after meeting President Ramaphosa in Niamey, Niger, President Mnangagwa said they had discussed various issues.

“With President Ramaphosa we met and we were sharing challenges we are facing and, in particular energy shortages.

“We exchanged views on how we can deal with that issue. Of course, our Zesa owes Eskom quite a lot of money and they have been able to pay US$10 million last week to reduce that debt.

“This enables them to have discussions and I think our Minister of Energy will go to South Africa next week to discuss some new arrangements,” said President Mnangagwa.

Last week, Government paid US$10 million to reduce the debt owed by Zesa to South Africa’s Eskom.

Zesa owes Eskom about US$35 million.

Speaking after his meeting with Mozambique President Nyusi, President Mnangagwa said they had agreed that Maputo will supply more electricity to Zimbabwe.

The two countries’ ministers of Energy are expected meet to meet and seal the deal.

“My minister will go to Mozambique. I discussed with the President of Mozambique, Nyusi (my brother) and they are ready for us to discuss the issue so that they can also increase the supply of energy from Cahora Bassa to Zimbabwe on terms which are comfortable to us,” he said.

Zimbabwe owes South Africa’s Eskom and Mozambique’s HCB about US$74 million, resulted in the two utilities reducing electricity imports into the country.

Minister Mutsvangwa also said Cabinet was briefed on the fuel situation.

“On fuel, Cabinet was briefed that urgent steps are now being taken to roll out the fuel tracking technology throughout the country,” she said.

The tracking system is meant to reduce leakages that have worsened the shortages being experienced in the country.

All Africa

Botswana Intelligence Declares President Masisi As Unsafe

President Mokgweetsi Masisi

The Director General of Directorate of Intelligence Services (DIS) Brigadier Peter Fana Magosi has confirmed media speculation that the life of President Mokgweetsi Masisi is under threat.

Addressing members of the media of Friday, Magosi revealed that the security of the president is no longer the same as it was in the past due to the current political situation in the country. “It is a fact that the security situation has shifted due to the internal political squabbles in the country. The perceived two centres of power have created the problem with some non-state actors involved,” he revealed.

Magosi said there are some non-state actors who have interest in the natural resources of the country and the current political climate which is not conducive has created a room for them to exploit the situation. The perceived centres of power, according to DIS boss, have created division among the nation with some decision makers influenced to make corrupt decisions which might put the security of the country at risk.

Magosi said DIS investigations have shown that there is an appetite for a coup d’état but it has not reached a situation where it can pose a threat to the country. This, he said is caused by some external forces who have interest in the natural resources of the country. “Once you have a non-state actor who believes that s/he has interest in the natural resources of this country then security will be compromised,” he said, declining to reveal the non-state actors.

Assuring Batswana that the DIS has the situation under control, Magosi said they have since established a pattern of the non-state actors who are involved, adding that while some are within the region others are in Europe.

Masisi under threat

Recently there were reports that President Masisi had to make a mid-air return to Botswana after it was alleged that there was threat to his life. Magosi revealed that he had to order the Presidential crew to abandon an official trip to Mozambique and make a mid-air turn around back to Botswana after they discovered that his security was compromised.

According to Magosi, had he not made that decision, the country will be talking about a different story and that would have been irresponsible on his side. “I was in Mozambique and after consulting with our counterparts in Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe we advised that President Masisi should not land in Maputo,” he said.

Narrating other incidents that have convinced them further that Masisi’s security is under threat, he revealed that during a Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) meeting in Palapye early this year, a former DIS officer was arrested in a hotel for carrying a gas pistol. “He is a former member of the DIS and BDF. He knows that protocol does not allow anyone to have a gun except presidential security detail at any place where the president is,” he said, adding that the former DIS officer now works for Avante Securities. The officer was handed over to the police who are continuing the investigations.

In another incident, Magosi said that power was once cut off at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport when Masisi’s aircraft was landing, something that has never happened before. “We won’t share more details because by so doing we will be alerting those who want to assassinate the president,” he said.

Isolate state house

Due to the shift in the security of the head of state, Magosi said they are not comfortable with the State House sharing boundaries with private properties. “We have proposed that those properties sharing the boundary with the State House should be relocated because it really compromises the security of the president,” he said.

Khama’ security

As per protocol DIS is in charge of security of former Heads of State. Magosi revealed that and expressed concern about the security detail of former President Ian Khama. “My concern is that he has brought in some people as part of his security; a situation which we are not comfortable with. If during the convoy there is an accident who is going to account for the people he has brought in,” he asked rhetorically.

Warriors Fan Alvin Zhakata Finally Arrives In Egypt

Alvin Zhakata has arrived in Cairo, Egypt, ten days after Zimbabwe’s Afcon campaign came to an end.

The national team fan had taken a road trip from Cape Town in South Africa across Africa to support the Warriors at the tournament which is currently underway in Egypt.

However, his adventure was marred by many challenges including a five-day delay at the Kenya-Ethiopia border.

Zhakata’s South African counterpart Msila Botha gave up at this point, and took a flight to Egypt, leaving him to finish the journey alone.

The Warriors fan arrived in Cairo this afternoon.Soccer24Zimbabwe

Alvin Zhakata

Sikhala’s Whereabouts Revealed

Sikhala Abduction Latest: Govt Says It’s Not True

By Farai D Hove| The government of Zimbabwe has denied reports that the MDC MP Job Sikhala is missing.

Sikhala is on trial for utterances made in Bikita, Masvingo and he was due to appear at Harare Magistrates Court when he disappeared. His lawyers raised the alarm bells at the Rotten Row magistrates court saying they have been barred from accessing him.

The government in a statement via Twitter said,”we have noted Media Reports alleging that Hon Sikhala is missing.

“Those reports are inaccurate. The courts have directed that his case should be tried in Bikita. Hon Sikhala is being transported by the police to Bikita where the alleged crime was committed.”

But human rights lawyer, Doug Coltart said, “Why then were his lawyers told that initial remand would be done at Rotten Row (and even told by the police to go and wait there), when if fact he was being whisked away to Bikita without their knowledge?

” That is shocking dishonesty and a violation of rights.”

At the time of writing, the politician’s whereabouts were not known. – More to follow

Injure One, Injure All-MDC Tells Mnangagwa Government

Farai Dziva|MDC youth leader, Obey Sithole, has condemned the harassment of party vice chairperson Job Sikhala by state security agents.

“The party’s vice chairperson, Honourable Job Wiwa Sikhala is in detention…

He has been charged with contravening section 22 (2)(a) iii of the Criminal Code, subverting a constitutionally elected government.

We are a social democratic party and solidarity is one of our core values. It is against this background that we must put this value into practice.

What affects one directly, affects the other indirectly. Given this, let us all support him as he goes through a judicial test,” said Sithole.

Obey Sithole

Sikhala’s Whereabouts Unknown :Chamisa

Farai Dziva| MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has said Job Sikhala has not yet been located.

Sikhala was in police custody and was expected to appear before a Harare Magistrate today being charged with subversion of a constitutionally established government.

“Just been informed now that Hon Sikhala is no longer appearing at the Rotten row court.His whereabouts still unknown.

The lawyers and us all have been kept guessing.This is the old reinvented, definitely with much more vice.This is the old we can’t reform.This old that must go NOW,” tweeted Chamisa.

Sikhala’s case has been punctuated by relentless confusion with earlier reports indicating the MDC vice chairperson would appear before a Bikita Magistrate before the case was shifted back to Harare.

Job Sikhala

MAVAZA WRITES: JOB SIKHALA TO BE HANGED FOR TREASON

Opinion By Dr Masimba Mavaza| Former president Mugabe once said of Lovemore Madhuku “that once he is broke, he provokes the law enforcement so that when he is arrested his sponsors will vilify Zimbabwe and consequently pour money to his pocket organisation which will eventually get into his pocket. It was rightfully named the Madhuku strategy.”

This is the syndrome which has gripped the broke MDC and are doing everything they can to provoke the law enforcement into action and then they cry human rights. This will make them get a high pay cheque at the expense of the Nation.

They are desperately finding a reason to be arrested and tarnish the name of Zimbabwe.
It is not by coincidence that the Sky News flighted by night a damaging article on Zimbabwe featuring the Rural Teachers Association of Zimbabwe.

It is not a different song which the misguided MDC youth sang on calling for removal of the Zimbabwean government through illegal means. Then Job the political wonderer coined it up when he presided over an MDC Alliance rally in Bikita.

It is a total surprise that MDC is distancing itself from the treasonous statements by Job Sikhala.

One should remind the MDC that what is said on its official business is deemed to have been said by them. To ditch the folk tongued Sikhala at this stage shows that the MDC A can not stand by its own. One is reminded of Chamisa when he called MDC members stupids for standing ip for his cause. The speech by Job exposes MDC A as a violent party which is power hungry which can do anything and everything to gain power. This attitude of the MDC singles them out to be mercenaries and enemies of the state and the nation.

Zimbabwe has presided over the fall of Opposition political class. We now have a power hungry violent outfit masquerading as opposition.

From the day Chamisa stole the MDC leadership opposition is failing and our political system is collapsing.

Chamisa went further to gather all the rebells and drafted them to his side. These are the people who would not have seen a dY in MDC if Tsvangirai was alive.

The Opposition has lost its meaning since the demise os Tsvangirai. The Opposition’s main role is to question the government of the day and hold them accountable.

Opportunities for scrutinising the policies and administration of the Government are provided in parliament.

Members of the Opposition who are members of parliamentary committees have a further opportunity to scrutinise new legislation as part of the committee process.

The Opposition also utilises the media to reach the electorate with its views and to establish an identity as an alternative government. It is wrong for any opposition to Advocate for the removal of the constitutionally elected government by force.
The speech by Job Sikhala was job badly done.

The Opposition wants to present itself as a Government in waiting. It does this mostly through the media and by campaigning in the constituencies but Parliament is also an important forum for this. The opposition therefore play a role in criticising Government  policy when there are disagreements between the parties,  for example in reply to Ministerial statements and in debates on legislation. It proposes motions and amendments to legislation and is able to get these debated. Other opposition parties are also able to criticise the government and move amendments.
Parliament is part of the general debate between Government and Opposition that takes place between general elections and helps to establish the credibility of the Opposition.  However MDC has no clue of its functions as an apposition party.

Chamisa has transformed opposition to be an entity which creates division, and their concern is often on national splits and challenges the government and mistakes by ministers rather than what the debate between the Government and Opposition is actually about.

Opposition is supposed to put its case through Parliamentary debate. But Chamisa has become known for preaching hardships and problems for the nation. He actually takes pride in throwing spanners in the engine of the economy. He has not stopped to boast about how his actions have brought Zimbabwe to its knees.

Then his disciple war lord Sikhala raises stench and vomits treason.
In a normal situation any opposition leader who lobbies for sanctions and prays for poverty against his own people would be charged of treason. His actions are diabolic and evil. Worse still a leader who calls for the removal of the government by force must be charged without any excuse. Job Sikhala has to be charged of treason as soon as possible.

The Opposition political system used to be seen as one of the wonders of the world. Max Weber, the great German sociologist, gave a seminal lecture on “The Profession and Vocation of Politics” in Munich.

Speaking in the chaotic and revolutionary aftermath of the First World War, he expressed his admiration for the Opposition system and the way its politicians and officials managed to maintain prosperity and stability while allowing a working democracy to flourish.it was reputed around the world as the cradle of democracy, tolerance and downright decency. No longer. Chamisa has made opposition politics look like really war.

Chamisa’s immature behaviour has led to the complete collapse of our political system. It is painful to see people engaged in real civil wars pitying us for the deep division in the country and the inability of our political leaders to resolve it. We have watched with bewilderment, despair and exasperation as the opposition politics degenerate into war situation in Zimbabwe.

We have gone from being the most stable country in Africa to one of the least, from a country governed by a broad pragmatic consensus to a society divided into two doctrinaire camps and from a government that managed crises well to political leaders who can’t even control their own parties. Worst of all we have gone from a relatively civilised and tolerant political discourse to violence on our streets directed at people who are actually in power.
Job Sikhala has used a rally in Bikit to threaten the government. Action has to be taken against him. The law must fully coil around his lip and show others how peaceful se are.

Zimbabwe needs a progressive opposition.

All what we have heard by Chamisa is that he will work against the nations yet he wants to lead the same people he is punishing. Now his trusted thug Job Sikhala declares war on the government.

It is easy to hate ED without a reason. This is because the economy is struggling and people are really in trouble. But we need to see the big picture.

Opposition now operates as armed rebels. Having tried the ballot box now they are using the economy which they are sabotaging. They celebrate any suffering caused by their actions. Instead of coming up with ideas to improve the economy they actually campaign against it. They have taken their shenanigans to another level. They are now calling for an unlawful removal of the government.

So the jecha brigade are not progressive their actions are talking evil. Now they are talking war.

Sikhala’s statements must be condemned and he must be charged of treason.

[email protected]

Mthuli Ncube To Hire Communications Specialist To Help Explain Misunderstood Gvnt Policies

By A Correspondent- Finance minister, Mthuli Ncube, has said that they will be hiring a communications person to help them explain government policies to the general populace.

Speaking on Monday during a Daily News organised Business Breakfast Forum held to discuss the implications of the re-introduction of the Zimbabwe dollar, Ncube that government’s policies were not being properly communicated. Ncube said:

We are hiring a new communications person to help us communicate better. I think we are almost there with that and I think we can do better (to communicate), including also in vernacular languages and so forth. We could do better with communications.

Guests had expressed that the re-introduction of the Zimbabwe dollar through Statutory Instrument (SI) 142 of 2019 was a surprise development.

Ncube’s response was also addressing Harare lawyer Effort Jera’s question on whether the country’s currency issue will likely destabilise the country as there are three pending High court applications challenging SI 142.

Jera also asked if people can actually have confidence in the system, considering allegations of policy inconsistency. In response, Ncube said that it was fundamental for government policies to be predictable and consistent. He said what happened with SI 142 was unlikely to be seen in the future.

Previously, the Finance minister unexpectedly appointed Acie Lumumba, real name William Gerald Mutumanje as head of the Finance ministry communications committee last October. Lumumba, however, lasted only three days on the job within which he implicated senior Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe officials in illegal foreign currency deals.-DailyNews

“Power Cuts Cripple Industry”

By Own Correspondent- There are companies whose business models dictate that there is functional electricity for them to produce and sell their products and services. These are some of the businesses that are affected by the crippling power cuts that are being experienced in the country.

Home Industry Businesses like Carpentry and Welding and Sewing

According to IMF, almost 60% of Zimbabwe’s economy is informal. This means our economy is driven possibly more by these people that make furniture and weld and make clothes and other things informally for a living. Passing through Mupedzanhamo Traffics lights on Saturday, the traffic lights by that corner were not working an indication that there was no power around that area unless the traffics lights malfunctioned.

The biggest informal industry in Harare is in that area. Siyaso/Magaba. Some of those guys rely on electricity to make most of their famous wares which Zimbabwe value so greatly. Speaking to one guy from Magaba in Mbare the chap said:

Haa pakaipa tiri kushanda mahusiku mazuva ano ( we are working at night because of the power situation)

This may seem like an option but we all know working at night in poor lit areas can lead to 2 if not 3 things:

  1. Decreased efficiency during the day
  2. Poor or substandard work because of lack of visibility and fatigue
  3. Health problems of various nature caused by the working conditions in open air, in winter, at night.

All through the capital many informal jobs that need electricity that operate outside the industrial areas and the CBD where power cuts are minimal are highly affected. Gazaland and Kuwadzana Home industry and many more industries have been hit the hardest by the power situation in the country. Some have power back up like generators which also need scarce petrol or diesel this means the cost of production has wildly gone up. The cost of production then affects the price which then affects demand. It’s a sad scenario altogether.

 Telecommunication Companies

Of late network has been a problem in Zimbabwe. This cuts into communication one of the things that should work properly as it is one of the various microeconomic drivers of a functional economy. I as an individual always have network problems when I visit my favourite place in Harare Kuwadzana Extension where the internet is so bad at some instances it takes a while to download a picture on WhatsApp.

Telecoms have complained about the cost of running the network. One engineer that spoke to me as an individual said:

Those booster batteries dont last that long. 16 hours is too much. We are supposed to then use generators, but there are hundreds of those boosters across the country the cost of running the netwoek on a daily basis becomes too much for us. Sometimes there are some boosters that are supposed to beam network to other boosters the moment its affected all other downstream boosters stop working simultaniously.

This actually affects service delivery which also affects the quality and quantity of our communication as a nation. Money is lost because of poor communication, revenue is lost because of people resort to other means of communicating. Cumulatively the situation may cause other problems.

Internet Service Providers

These guys may use satellites and power back up etc to provide their passive services. Their biggest hit is on revenue. Most of their household customers are in darkness for 16-18 hours a day and that means the rate of subscribing to the internet that is only used at night will decrease if the power situation remains like this or continue to deteriorate. Subscriptions might take a knock as people decide to find other alternatives to prepaid internet.

PayTV

DSTV customers just like consumers of the internet also rely on the availability of electricity. This means, since most households only have power during the normal sleeping times, very few people will see the need to subscribe for entertainment that they can only access after 10 PM where programming is not at its best and people are tired from a long day at work.

ZESA

There is a joke circulating on social media where people are laughing at their electricity bills.

(If electricity worth $5 is lasting me 2 months, then that means the economy is on the mend) Of course, we know that’s not the case. There is no mending that is taking place is people only spend $5 on electricity unlike in the previous months when they were spending between 30 and 100 for 2 months.

This means households have started consuming less electricity meaning the number of electricity purchases have dwindled. Once again ZESA is hit the hardest by the problem of cutting power as its revenue from prepaid customers mainly households of which 90% are on the prepaid grid have been affected.

Retailers.

All those shops that are out of the CBD operating in residential areas where power cuts are rife are also working on backup power. This means your favourite supermarket operating close to your house where there is no electricity for 16 hours a day is also affected.

The cost of running these shops in my opinion on a daily basis for 8 hours is immense in some instances. Imagine powering those freezers and chillers and those ovens and all for 12 hours every day. The resources that get into that. Statistics show that OK has 8 Bon Marche Branches all outside the CBD in Harare.  Most of these are affected by the power cuts meaning they all have to run using generators for the duration of the 12 hours they are open.

OK supermarkets, as well as Pick n Pay supermarkets and all other huge retailing supermarkets like Choppies N Richards, Gain etc outside the CBD, may also be facing challenges as they have to search for fuel to power their operations every other day. These also have been hit the hardest by the situation prevailing in the country.

Chipezeze Seeks Legal Advice Following AFCON Debacle

Farai Dziva| Warriors goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze says he has approached his lawyer as he makes efforts to clear his name following allegations of match-fixing at the 2019 Afcon.

The 29-year-old who plays for Baroka in the Absa Premiership made some clumsy mistakes in the game against DRC which saw the team losing 4-0 and getting eliminated from the tournament.

His actions raised suspicion with many people believing the former Chicken Inn goalie was paid to influence the result.

There were also reports suggesting the game was indeed fixed but CAF failed to prove it.

Speaking to Limpopo Sports Zoneafter returning to his base in South Africa, Chipezeze said:

“You can’t sell games at the biggest stage of the competition where you need to make a name for yourself. I don’t even support that thing (match-fixing).

“I have been talking to my Lawyer and he was telling me he is going to look into the issue maybe see what he can do to clear my name.”

The keeper adds that he believes the DRC game is not his last in national colours and will feature for the Warriors again.

“It was probably the worse game of my life but that was not the last time for me playing for the national team,” said Chipezeze.

Elvis Chipezeze

Can South Africa Overcome Super Eagles?

Farai Dziva|South Africa go into battle against tournament favourites Nigeria hoping to overcome the African giants.

Bafana Bafana defied all odds and stunned hosts Egypt, kicking their much fancied opponents out courtesy of a Thembinkosi Lorch sucker punch and their expectations going into tomorrow’s encounter are high.

Their confidence will be fueled by the fact that they defeated the Super Eagles in their own back-yard in the qualifiers. In actual fact, Nigeria has not beaten South Africa in the last four outings.

Former Watford striker Odion Ighalo, who is joint-top scorer at AFCON 2019, will likely pose a threat to the Bafana defence, but in Lorch and Percy Tau, South Africa have an attack capable of posing a threat to any team.

Kick off is 21:00hrs at the Cairo International Stadium.

Thembinkosi Lorch …

Warriors Hopeful Promoted To Arsenal First Team

Farai Dziva|Warriors hopeful Reiss Nelson has been promoted to Arsenal’s first team alongside Emile Smith Rowe.

The 19-year-old is no stranger to first-team action having made 16 appearances in all competitions in Arsene Wenger’s final season in charge at the Gunners.

His Premier League debut came when he was 17 years old in 2018 against Southampton.

Nelson who was born in England is eligible to play for the Warriors through his father’s heritage.

He has so far represented his country of birth at junior level.

Reiss Nelson

Probe Ministers For Stashing Cash In Homes :Mliswa

Farai Dziva| Norton MP Temba Mliswa has said Cabinet Ministers must be probed for keeping millions of United States Dollars in their homes.

Mliswa has asked why Ministers keep huge amounts of foreign currency in their houses.

“So how much forex do these Ministers keep in their homes and for what? What’s the law regarding money hoarding?

Isn’t this forex for money changing or maybe for working so hard for the Chinese?

So ZANU PF Youth League were correct.
So the Ministers don’t bank but the ordinary citizen must bank? This certainly will open a can of worms,” said Mliswa.

Mliswa’s comments follow revelations that US$25 000 was stolen from Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa’s house by her housemaid.

Temba Mliswa

Sikhala Speaks On Arrest, Charges

Farai Dziva|MDC deputy chairperson, Job Sikhala says he is stunned by the excitement and anxiety about the charges he is facing.

Sikhala is expected to make an initial appearance at Harare Magistrate Court this afternoon.

“I am worried and shocked over the excitable elements jumping into the bandwagon to lump treason, banditry, insurgency and coup plotting on my part over political banter of a statement I made in Bikita,” said Sikhala in a statement yesterday.

“What I meant was that we need to overthrow hunger, intimidation, abuse of traditional leaders, poverty and all vices associated with the current mismanagement of our State by the current government.

Let it be clear that the MDC, nor anyone associated with it, will ever engage in any unconstitutional governance of our country. If anything, the MDC is a party of constitutionalism and legality.”

Dred Reckless Speaks On Sikhala Arrest

Farai Dziva|Legendary MDC activist and revolutionary musician Dred Reckless has called on state security agents to stop persecuting Job Sikhala.

Dred Reckless of the Nharembozha fame, has also urged Zimbabweans to show solidarity with Sikhala.

“The man we were all expecting to speak…

He has spoken and his voice will never be detained as you can do to his body. Wiwa woyeee. Chamisa woyeee,” said Dred Reckless.

Job Sikhala

Civil Servants Reject Paltry $97 Allowance

Farai Dziva|Civil Servants have flatly rejected a $ 97 cushioning allowance dangled to them by government.

The government has awarded workers $180 million which when shared among the 309 000 civil servants translates to $97 per month.

Members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) have reportedly received adjusted salaries – with the cushioning allowance, while other civil servants will get theirs on their respective pay dates.

However, the Apex Council, the umbrella body for all the unions representing civil servants has rejected the increment.

Apex Council deputy chairperson Thomas Muzondo said:

“We totally reject that offer so they (government negotiators) will go back to their principals for further consultations.”

Arrest Us All:MDC Supporters Tell Mnangagwa Government

Farai Dziva|MDC Supporters have castigated Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government for persecuting Job Sikhala.

See below the MDC Supporters and Friends statement:

The time has come for us in the broader democratic movement to confront the Junta regime presided over by septuagenarian EDiot.

Charging our Vice President with ‘treason’ for exercising his fundamental right to freedom of expression as enshrined in the supreme law of the land is just sickening though not surprising.

It’s typical of a leopard that will not change its spots.We will not be intimidated.We seek to remove you ED from power!That’s not a secret.

Why arrest one for expressing something you know? Arrest us all!!We are coming for you!!

MDC supporters

MDC Youth Assembly Leader Summoned By CID Law And Order

Farai Dziva|MDC Youth Assembly Secretary General Gift Ostallos Siziba has been summoned by the CID Law and Order Section at Harare Central Police Station.

“MDC Youth Assembly Secretary General Gift Ostallos Siziba has been summoned by CID Law and Order at Harare Central Police Station today,” the MDC has said.

“Free Ostallos Siziba, the ED regime is in panic mode instead of fixing the economy they are busy harrasing innocent citizens.Abasha ED regime Abasha,” said Gilbert Mutubuki an MDC youth assembly member.

More details to follow…

Gift Ostallos Siziba

JUST IN: Fuel Price To Go Up

Jane Mlambo| Minister of Finance Professor Mthuli Ncube has hinted that the price of fuel will go up to a figure equivalent to 1 United States dollar, ZimEye can reveal.

Mthuli made the remarks in an interview with Alpha Media Holdings owner Trevor Ncube this morning.

Currently, fuel is being sold at $5,36 for petrol and $5.07 for diesel which translates to around USD0.50 cents and if it is to be matched with 1USD, the new price will range between ZWL$10 to ZWL$12.

More Names Of Alleged Corrupt Heavyweights Released

The list was posted on social media by an anonymous figure who pleaded with the Zanu-PF youth league to announce more names of corrupt individuals to the media.

The names of the alleged corrupt individuals include heavy weights in Zanu Pf and others who are in the private sector.

Below is the list of the alleged corrupt heavy weights:

LIST OF MORE CORRUPT PEOPLE OF ZIMBABWE as @ June 2019

Kembo Mohadi- Corruption

Phillip Chiyangwa– Land Baron

Dexter Nduna–ZINARA/ Mash West Prov Money/ King pin of Illegal Miners/

Vengai Musengi/ Corrupt/ Illegal Mine dealings/ Murderer abusing Zanu PF name

Mayor Wadyejena— Corrupt

July Moyo — Land Baron

Monica & Chris Mutsvangwa- Money Laundering/Land Baron

Ozias Bvute– NSSA funds thru Metbank

Mike Chimombe – Land Baron

Enoch & Idah Kamushinda–NSSA funds thru Metbank/Illegal Forex dealings/ Fake Bond Note Printing/Fake USD

Shingi Munyeza–NSSA funds externalisation/Govt Swimming pool tenders from Mupfumira

Voster Mashevedzanwa – Chinhoyi NSSA stands/Chinhoyi council stands fraud

Billy Rautenbach– Cartel leader

Nicholas van Hoogstraten–Cartel leader

Kuda Tagwirei– Fuel /Cartel Leader

Charles Mutisi – Corruption/Land Baron/NSAA

Winston Chitando–Hwange Corruption

Jennifer Mhlanga –Corruption on Council stands in Chinhoyi. Selling them to the public. Selling farms in Makonde District.

PLEASE CIRCULATE UNTIL IT GETS TO ZANU PF YOUTH LEAGUE. OUR TRUE HEROES

Sawujadi Phiri Laid To Rest

Sawujadi Phiri

Zimbabwe National Darts Team player, Sawujadi Phiri, who died after a short illness on Saturday was buried at Habane Muslim Cemetery in Esigodini on Tuesday.

Phiri was laid to rest by her Muslim religious leaders with scores of people mostly from the darts fraternity attending the burial.

In an interview after the burial, National Darts Association of Zimbabwe President Meynard Moyo described Phiri’s death as a huge loss to the game of darts in the country.

Phiri represented Zimbabwe at the Region 5 challenge in Malawi last year where she came out top after also representing her province in the national champions in Harare where she also emerged as the top woman player in the country.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2489367497791100&id=150154425045764

Woman Jailed 3yrs For Stealing $25k From Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa

By Own Correspondent- A 59-year-old woman who once worked as a housemaid for Information Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, has been sentenced to 3 years in jail.

Tracy Manase from Chizemo village, under Chief Mutambara, appeared before Mutare magistrate Nortilda Muchineripi where she pleaded guilty to stealing US$25 000 from Mutsvangwa.

The magistrate, however, suspended 12 months of the sentence on condition that she restitute US$15 000.

Another 12 months were suspended on condition she will not commit a similar offence in the next five years.

In her mitigation, Manase told the court that she was paid ZWL$120 monthly. She then pleaded with the court to be allowed to contact her relatives so that she could raise the money.

She said:

I was being given ZWL$120 as my salary. I am asking for forgiveness my Lord, l want to call my sons and relatives so that they can pay back the money.

The US$25 000 belonged to Joyce Mukono (49) from Zimre Park in Harare who is sister to Minister Mutsvangwa.

She had given the money to the Cabinet Minister for safe-keeping before Manase stole it and resigned from her domestic work.

Manase returned to her village where she was arrested by the police after she had blown most of the money.-Newsday

Mat South Teachers Threaten Strike

By A Correspondent- Rural school teachers in Insiza district, Matabeleland South province, have called for a strike over the government’s failure to address their concerns.

The teachers, who are under the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), held a meeting on July 7 where they agreed to go on job action.

Minutes of the meeting by the teachers read:

As a district, we call upon the national executive of Artuz to urgently call for a job action, demanding a living wage… Members were also encouraged to discuss challenges we are facing with other teachers so that we open their eyes to the realities, then we mobilise them for the fight for a living wage.

ARTUZ president, Obert Masaraure confirmed the meeting held in Insiza and said that the union is now going to other districts and if they also call for a strike, then it will be organised.

Teachers are demanding a minimum monthly salary of $4 000. However, the government on Tuesday offered to award civil servants a $97 salary increment.

Sikhala Charged With Plotting To Overthrow Govt As Mahiya, Mutasa And Mawarire’s Trials Fail To Commence

Evan Mawarire

ZIMBABWE Republic Police (ZRP officers on Tuesday detained and charged Hon. Job Sikhala, one of the top leaders of the opposition MDC party, with plotting to overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

ZRP officers charged Hon. Sikhala, the MDC National Vice-Chairperson with subverting constitutional government as defined in section 22(2)(a)(iii) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

The law enforcement agents alleged that Hon. Sikhala, who was represented by Obey Shava and Jeremiah Bamu of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) advocated for the overthrowing of government through unconstitutional means during his address to some MDC party supporters at a political rally held on Saturday 6 July 2019 at Mandadzaka Primary School in Bikita in Masvingo province.

Hon. Sikhala, who is the MDC legislator for Zengeza West constituency, is expected to appear at Harare Magistrates Court on Wednesday 10 July 2019.

Hon. Sikhala becomes the latest person since January 2019 to be targeted for allegedly plotting to overthrow President Mnangagwa’s government after Zimbabwean authorities arrested and charged 20 people including opposition legislators, trade unionists and human rights activists with subverting constitutional government following anti-government protests held early this year.

Some of the activists, who were arrested in May, were accused of attending and participating in a meeting held in Maldives with the intention to engage in civil disobedience.

Meanwhile, three human rights campaigners namely Rashid Mahiya, the chairperson of Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, This Generation Church leader Pastor Evan Mawarire and Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions President Peter Mutasa, who are all charged with subverting constitutional government, appeared before Harare Magistrate Barbra Mateko, where their trials could not commence.

Pastor Mawarire, Mahiya and Mutasa, who are represented by Alec Muchadehama and Tonderai Bhatasara of ZLHR, were remanded out of custody to 20 August 2019.

ZLHR

Chromium Opens Up For China Take Over Of Zimbabwe

Chromium mining in Zimbabwe

Africa Report| Beneath the surface of its latest economic crisis, Zimbabwe has been quietly positioning itself as a future major exporter of chromium to the insatiable Chinese market.

Chinese demand for chromium is mainly driven by stainless steel, of which it is the world’s largest consumer. The country does not have its own chromium reserves and relies on imports. Chromium is concentrated in South Africa, Kazakhstan, India, Zimbabwe, the US and Turkey. South Africa is the largest producer of chrome, and a majority of the country’s production goes to China.

Zimbabwe has the world’s second-largest chromium reserve, with about 12% of the global total, Technavio says in its report Global Ferrochrome Market Analysis – Size, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2019–2023.

The company forecasts that Chinese demand will stay firm in the coming years due to increased infrastructure spending, such as on urban rail projects.
That means that China needs to diversify its sources of chromium and ferrochrome (an alloy of chromium and iron). Zimbabwe is well placed to benefit.

Zimbabwe almost doubled its production of ferrochrome to 300,000tn in 2017, according to Technavio.

“Availability of chrome ores, increasing investment from companies and supportive government initiatives are expected to boost the [Zimbabwe’s] production of ferrochrome substantially during the next 10 years,” Technavio says.
Zimbabwe’s government has facilitated investment, last year reducing electricity tariffs for chromium miners from 8.7 cents to 6.7 cents per kilowatt-hour. From a low base, Chinese ferrochrome imports from Zimbabwe increased 68.6% in 2017, while imports from established South African suppliers stagnated.

Chinese industrial buyers and South African miners alike are alive to the potential.

In 2018, China’s Tsingshan signed a $1bn agreement to build a steel plant in Zimbabwe.

The initial target set is to produce 1m tonnes of steel by 2022 and 2m tonnes by 2026.

Tsingshan also plans to build an industrial park in Zimbabwe.

Sinosteel of China is also investing $1bn in Zimbabwe to build a power plant and raise ferrochrome production to 300,000tn.
South African miner Tharisa, which is listed in Johannesburg and London, offers a possible play on the potential.

Tharisa in May bought a 90% stake in Salene Chrome Zimbabwe.

Tharisa says that Salene’s mine allows for production of 48%-50% chromium concentrate, beating the 40-42% level that it mines in South Africa.

That was followed in June when Tharisa bought a 26.8% stake in Karo Mining Holdings, a Zimbabwe project that could lead to new chromium and platinum-group-metal projects.

Turning those projects into reality, of course, will be a complicated task. In 2018, African Chrome Fields, Zimbabwe’s largest chromium miner, launched a ferrochrome plant in Zimbabwe capable of producing 600tn per month.

But Roskill reports that the miner’s alluvial operations have been on hold since March. It says the company is restructuring to take account of “uncertain economic and financial conditions within Zimbabwe”.
Bottom line: Stability in Zimbabwe would put the country in pole position to take a bigger share of China’s chromium market.

“I Have Approached My Lawyer,” Chipezeze On Match Fixing Allegations

Elvis Chipezeze

Warriors keeper Elvis Chipezeze says he has approached his lawyer as he makes efforts to clear his name following allegations of match-fixing at the 2019 Afcon.

The 29-year-old who plays for Baroka in the Absa Premiership made some clumsy mistakes in the game against DRC which saw the team losing 4-0 and getting eliminated from the tournament.

His actions raised suspicion with many people believing the former Chicken Inn goalie was paid to influence the result.

There were also reports suggesting the game was indeed fixed but CAF failed to prove it.

Speaking to Limpopo Sports Zone after returning to his base in South Africa, Chipezeze said:

“You can’t sell games at the biggest stage of the competition where you need to make a name for yourself. I don’t even support that thing (match-fixing).

“I have been talking to my Lawyer and he was telling me he is going to look into the issue maybe see what he can do to clear my name.”

The keeper adds that he believes the DRC game is not his last in national colours and will feature for the Warriors again.

“It was probably the worse game of my life but that was not the last time for me playing for the national team,” said Chipezeze.

AFCON Quarter Finals Preview

Three wins from AFCON glory, eight teams take their next steps in quarterfinal play at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt on Wednesday and Thursday.

Benin and Madagascar are barely inside the world’s Top 100 in Elo Ratings, but they are still alive. Does that end here?

Senegal v. Benin — Wednesday

Benin made it to this round by tying every group stage match and then using penalty kicks to beat favored Morocco. Simply put: they are survivors. It’ll take more than that against Sadio Mane and Senegal, one the favorites to lift a trophy this summer.

Nigeria v. South Africa — Wednesday

Finally out of their scoring doldrums, the Super Eagles outlasted Cameroon in a 3-2 thriller and now face a South Africa side which stunned Mohamed Salah and hosts Egypt. Bafana Bafana has only allowed two goals in four tournament matches, but Nigeria will put that to the test with Golden Boot co-leader Odion Ighalo.

Ivory Coast v. Algeria  — Thursday

Wilfried Zaha may not know where he’ll be playing club ball next season, but it hasn’t stopped him from leading Les Elephants in scoring with two goals. Meeting Riyad Mahrez and Algeria will be a major challenge up north.

Madagascar v. Tunisia — Thursday

Two sides who earned their quarterfinal berths by going perfect from the penalty spot against more celebrated competition (Madagascar defeated Democratic Republic of Congo, while Tunisia beat Ghana). Tunisia will be heavily favored to take the next step.

While Chamisa Was Laughed At, Durban To Messina Bullet Train Project Kicks Off.

Meetings between the transport department, Prasa and Transnet have been planned to set the project in motion.

A high-speed train between Johannesburg and Musina aimed at reducing the escalating road carnage on the notorious N1 between Gauteng and Limpopo is on the cards, Limpopo roads and community safety MEC Namane Masemola said yesterday.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the initiative during his State of the Nation address a fortnight ago as an alternative mode of transport between SA and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

Masemola said meetings between the department of transport, Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa and Transnet had been planned.

“This will go a long way in reducing the escalating carnage on our roads,” Masemola said.

“We have recently experienced loss of many lives on the N1 between Johannesburg and Musina in particular. Some of these accidents were due to ‘moving coffins’ transporting unsuspecting passengers to their various destinations, including countries which use the N1 through Polokwane via Beitbridge in Musina to SADC countries.”

The MEC said the meetings were expected to chart the way forward and arrive at a starting date for the project.

“By the end of this financial year there will be great progress because both the province and country and, indeed, the international community, is waiting for the project to be off the ground,” Masemola told The Citizen.

According to the MEC, the project would create much needed permanent and temporary jobs for Limpopo people.

The province has a population of 5.8 million people with an estimated 28% unemployment rate.

Last month Limpopo topped the list of nine provinces in terms of road fatalities. The accidents included the 24 youth who died while returning from a June 16 commemoration in Sekgosese.

Masemola said his department would deploy more traffic officials on all major roads across the province.

“During this financial year we are appointing 238 young people who are currently on traffic learnership as full-time traffic officials,” Masemola said.

Litmus Test For Govt As Mat North Hospital Is Burnt To Next To Nothing, What Next?

Write off. St Luke’s hospital burnt to nothing

Government has been left with a huge challenge to show its muscle after a fire destroyed St Luke’s Hospital in Matabeleland North province to next to nothing left.

The inferno has brought hospital operations to a halt as all equipment, medicines and records were reduced to ashes.

St Luke’s is a Roman Catholic mission hospital situated in Kusile District, about 120km from Bulawayo along the Victoria Falls Road and is the biggest hospital in the province.

No one was hurt in the incident but the provincial medical director Dr Pugie Chimberengwa confirmed that medication and property worth hundreds of thousands of dollars was lost in the inferno.

He said the incident happened in the early hours of yesterday morning and the cause is yet to be established.

“We have received a report that the Family and Child Health (FCH) department at our designated provincial hospital St Luke’s has been burnt down. Equipment was reduced to ashes including the VIAC unit where cancer screening is conducted,” said Dr Chimberengwa.

He said five of the six rooms in the FCH department were severely affected and $250 000 worth of property was damaged.

“We also lost all cervical cancer screening equipment for the district in the fire. The Expanded Programme on immunisation (EPI) department also lost all fridges and their vaccines,” he added.

According to Dr Chimberengwa one of the gutted rooms had nutritional supplements for children with malnutrition.

“The same room had all vaccinations for the eight child killer diseases and we lost them too. All documents and registers are gone and we are not sure how we will continue operations,” he added.

He said the hospital had also lost documents for pregnant women referred from clinics around the province.

“We have since alerted the Civil Protection Unit and established a shift room for post natal care.

We will continue to offer HIV services while we try and find a solution,” he said.

Dr Chimberengwa appealed to well wishers and donors to chip in and help in refurbishing the hospital and purchasing the lost equipment and medication.

Bright Matonga Loses Property After Ex Lover Took Him To Court

Former information deputy minister Bright Matonga.

Former information deputy minister Bright Matonga’s farm equipment is going under the hammer on Thursday.

The sale comes after the former legislator failed to stop a $280 000 default judgement following an application by his former girlfriend Thombizodzwa Choto’s company Dubtess investment Pvt Ltd.

Matonga’s former lover engaged the High Court seeking an order to compel him to appear in person at the American Embassy and give his consent for his son to travel to United States after the former MP refused to go and sign his son’s consent papers.

The equipment comprises five water pumps, seven electric motors, vence tudor planter, vence tindo planter, John Deere planer, case international red, John Deere, tractor, disc harrow 24 dish, field boom spray tractor and Masser Ferguson tractor.

The sale will take place at Chigwell farm about 10 km from Chegutu town along Bulawayo highway.

The former Zanu PF legislator had earlier on tried to stop the order arguing that the summons were served at the wrong address.

The former minister said it was evident that the use of the wrong address for service of the notice of set down by Dubtess Investments (Pvt) Ltd was intentional since the same party elected to execute at the correct address, which Matonga had previously provided.

“I am advised that the judgment was sought in error in that I was never served with the notice of set down. The notice of set down was served on unknown address, which address I have never resided. Further, I am advised that default judgment was granted in error in that there was no return of service of the notice of set down in the record which proved that I had been served with the notice of set down.”

ZESA Finally Decides To Tell The Truth On Loadshedding, Mangudya Is The Problem Not Power Generation Deficit

RBZ governor John Mangudya

ZIMBABWE’S power utility, Zesa Holdings says the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has not provided with foreign currency to import power since last October.

This comes as the southern African country is experiencing a severe power crisis due to low electricity generation at Kariba Power Station which accounts for about 37% of internal power generation.

“Let me say this, it must be understood by everyone, we have had no load shedding in the past four or five years. I think everyone of us is acquainted with that. What has been the reason for that to happen that way? We have always had a deficit of internal generation in the country, we have always had it. But, we were covered very well, I must say, by the Reserve Bank all those four or five years until October last year,” Zesa Holdings acting chief executive officer, Patrick Chivaura, told a recent business meeting.

“We were not able to meet our forex obligation. To make the face of electricity or power (situation) worse, we also have to endure with the loss of water in Kariba and that has changed the face of our production in power. Last year, we saw the commissioning of the Kariba South Power Station which added 300MW to our grid and we saw a reduction in imports last year and sometimes we did not even import anything from Eskom because of that change.

“There was water last year and we could generate as much as 1050MW, but today the amount of water that we are able to use to generate power has been reduced to the extent that we can only do 358MW of generation at Kariba where capacity is 1050MW. You can call that an act of God or drought.”

Before the commissioning of the extra power units at the Kariba South Hydropower Station, the RBZ used to provide US$5 million weekly to import electricity from South Africa’s Eskom and Mozambique’s Hydro de Cahora Bassa (HCB).

Zimbabwe’s power generation is ranging between 1180MW to 1530MW against peak demand of 1800MW.

RBZ governor John Mangudya, however, said the only reason why Zesa was getting money for the past four or five years was because government was running an overdraft facility which enabled Zesa to purchase power.

“Zesa does not necessarily have enough local dollars for foreign currency, and that one is a fact. And, it is true that there is sub economic pricing and that people do not pay Zesa. Zesa is owed too much money by those using the electricity, that’s true,” he said.

“So while you had your electricity for four or five years we were paying for it all of us as a country because Zesa was able to purchase currency using that overdraft from government and that was happening, and is a fact of life. So, if today you are trying to analyse the US$3 billion (overdraft facility) and how much Zesa was granted in that figure while your business was running we need now to do a cost benefit analysis for the economy.”

Gudyanga Ready To Tell State Secrets

Francis Gudyanga

State Media|FORMER Mines and Mining Development secretary Francis Gudyanga on Monday told the court that he had dropped his application to be tried in camera and indicated that he now wants to expose State secrets.

His lawyer, Mr Norman Mugiya, had earlier on notified the court of his client’s intention to be tried in camera citing the damaging nature of the evidence that exposes State secrets.

Gudyanga, who is also the former Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) board chairperson allegedly paid $1 629 500 from the parastatal’s coffers to a foreign firm through a local agricultural company, Pedstock Investments.

Gudyanga told the court that there was no need to protect the State if it did not need to be protected.

Harare regional magistrate Mr Hosea Mujaya deferred the matter to August 5 and 6 for trial commencement.

Prosecutor Mr Venerandah Munyoro represented the State.

It is alleged that during the period extending from September 2014 to December 2015, Gudyanga, acting as the permanent secretary, ordered MMCZ to pay US$1 629 500 to Glammer (Private) Limited.

Gudyanga allegedly told MMCZ to pay Glammer through Pedstock Investments, as Glammer was a foreign company.

He also allegedly lied that the money was to be accounted for as part of the dividends to the stakeholder, which was the Government of Zimbabwe.

MMCZ released the money to Pedstock Investments.

It was later discovered that the money had nothing to do with MMCZ and it was not being paid to the Government of Zimbabwe, but instead was used in a fraudulent arrangement Gudyanga had made.

Dividends were supposed to be paid to the permanent secretary, who then issues a receipt of acknowledgement.

Cabinet Unveils 24th Meeting Resolutions

Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa presenting the cabinet decision matrix.

TWENTY-FOURTH MEETING DECISIONS MATRIX: 9TH JULY, 2019

1.0 Hospital Equipment Deliveries from the United Arab Emirates and India

Cabinet received a report from the Minister of Health and Child Care on deliveries of hospital equipment from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India. This positive development was a result of His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa’s re-engagement with the international community, where he extended an appeal for support towards revival of Zimbabwe’s health care delivery system.

A recent needs assessment of the hospitals had revealed the acute shortage of state-of-the-art medical equipment in critical areas such as radiology, intensive care units, theatres, laboratories, renal units, paediatric care,  and maternity among others.

The UAE government has accordingly donated to the Government of Zimbabwe the following hospital equipment: five dialysis machines; six vital signs monitors; eight respiratory aid devices; 12 neonatal intensive care unit monitors and 12 paediatric incubators. The consignment, which is estimated at US$400 000, is earmarked for Harare Central Hospital.

The equipment received is part of the larger consignment yet to follow from the UAE. Furthermore, UAE has pledged to refurbish Harare Central Hospital.

Government has also received a consignment of equipment from India valued at US$650 000. The equipment is earmarked for all of the country’s central hospitals, and follows a meeting between His Excellency the President and local specialist doctors at State House earlier this year. The equipment received from India includes the following:  10 hydraulic theatre tables; 10 electric theatre tables; five ventilators for adults; five ventilators for paediatrics; 50 monitors for adults; 30 monitors for paediatrics; 36 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) incubators; five endoscopy units; five colonoscopy units; 10 respiratory aid devices; Neonatal Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilator (NIPPV); 20 Electro Cardiogram (ECG); four X-ray portable; and 10 Anaesthetic machines. Another consignment to the tune of US$300 000 shall be arriving in the country shortly. Government is paying for the consignments coming from India.

Medicines and surgical supplies from both India and the United Arab Emirates are also expected in the country in due course.

2.0 Report Back on the Extraordinary African Union Summit in Niger

Hon A Murwira, as the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade briefed Cabinet on His Excellency the President’s attendance of the launch of the Operational Phase of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on 7 July, 2019 in in Niamey, Niger. The summit was among other things, officially informed of the coming into force of the AfCFTA on 30 May, 2019. The Acting Minister also briefed Cabinet on the following:

  •  highlights of the progress made with regard to the implementation of AfCFTA;
  •  the unveiling of the Tariff Concession Portals; and
  •  launch of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System.

The AfCFTA Secretariat shall be based in Ghana.

3.0 Energy and Power Supply Situation

Cabinet received the weekly brief on the Energy and Power Supply Situation by the Acting Minister of Energy and Power Development, Hon JB Matiza. Cabinet noted that, following meetings between His Excellency President E.D. Mnangagwa and his South African and Mozambican counterparts, the two Heads of State had expressed their countries’ firm commitment to assist Zimbabwe to overcome its current energy and power supply challenges. As a consequence of this encouraging development, the Minister of Energy and Power Development is currently in South Africa, and is soon to head to Mozambique for detailed discussions with his counterparts on possible increased power imports for Zimbabwe. The nation will be advised on the outcome of the discussions in due course. On fuel, Cabinet was briefed that urgent steps are now being taken to roll out the fuel tracking technology throughout the country.

4.0 Report on the Mining Investment Seminar held in Perth, Australia

Cabinet received a report back on the attendance by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development of a Mining Investment Seminar held in Perth, Australia from 26th to 29th June, 2019. The event which was organised by the Zimbabwe is Open for Business Forum in Australia afforded the Minister and his delegation the chance to present mining investment opportunities in Zimbabwe to various potential Australian investors. As a testimony to the resounding success of the Seminar, several follow-up engagements with the potential investors are due to take place in August 2019 in Harare, and in September, 2019 in Perth, Australia.

5.0 Reports on Measures to Deal with Cases of Corruption

Cabinet was briefed on ongoing measures to deal with cases of corruption, which had seen the recent suspension of some Ministry of Mines and Mining Development officials in Mashonaland Central Province as well as Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development officials at the Vehicle Inspection Department. Government reaffirms its zero tolerance to corruption and its determination to uproot the vice at all levels.

6.0 Renewal of Water and Sanitation Infrastructure

Cabinet notes with concern the dilapidated state of water and sanitation infrastructure in most of our urban local authorities. This unsavoury state of affairs puts the health of our citizens at high risk of disease outbreaks.

Government is currently working on modalities to raise funding for the wholesale rehabilitation and construction of the necessary infrastructure.

Government also calls on all local authorities to prioritise this programme for the good of our citizens.

Confusing, Ramaphosa Claims Zimbabwe Has Paid Up Eskom Debt.

Cyril Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa says Zimbabwe has been able “to pay up the debt they owe to Eskom” which is quite confusing when a few weeks ago we were being told that Zimbabwe had made a US$10 million payment which is a portion of what was said to be US$80 million owed to Eskom and not, in fact, the full amount.

Ramaphosa did mention however that Eskom supporting Zimbabwe (and other countries in the SADC) will be a balancing act as they have their own challenges.

Watch video below

Job Sikhala Spoke The MDC Congress Resolution, Call For Tamborinyoka To Be Dismissed

Thrown under the bus Job Sikhala

MDC supporters have called on party leader Nelson Chamisa to remove party Deputy Luke Tamborinyoka from the position after he threw under the bus arrested Deputy National Chairman Job Sikhala in an incriminating statement yesterday.

Tamborinyoka issued a press statement divorcing the party from an utterance made by Sikhala to the effect that the opposition party will make sure that President Emmerson Mnangagwa will be removed from power before 2023.

His media statement has attracted a lot of anger from MDC supporters who have since called on Chamisa to deal with his spokesperson.

“I was temporary translator at Congress when the resolution to strive to remove ZANU PF from power prior to 2023 was taken,” said Youth National Executive member Discent Bajila.

“I therefore have a moral obligation to stand with Job Wiwa Sikhala on this particular matter. It’s not his personal opinion. It’s the collective opinion of congress,” he added.

Tamborinyoka’s full statement read as follows:

MDC believes in non-violence, legality and constitutionalism

The MDC notes with deep worry and concern that Hon. Job Sikhala’s statements made during a rally in Bikita East over the weekend have caused uproar and the party wishes to clarify its position regarding the same.

It is the party’s view that Hon. Sikhala’s views as expressed at the rally and widely quoted in the press were his own personal opinions, which we believe have been misconstrued and misinterpreted.

For the record, the MDC believes in Constitutional, peaceful, democratic, non-violent and legal means of resolving the national crisis. We have never been perpetrators of illegality and non-violence. If anything, we have always been the victims.

The MDC is deeply worried about the escalating national crisis and to this end; the party will on Thursday this week launch the Roadmap to Economic Recovery, Legitimacy, Openness and Democracy (RELOAD) which is our blueprint to legitimacy and economic recovery in the country.
RELOAD does not in any way entail illegal and unconstitutional means of solving the national crisis.

Once again, the MDC wishes to state unequivocally that it has always submitted itself to the cardinal values of legality, constitutionalism and democracy. Any attempt to portray the MDC in any other way is disingenuous and unfortunate.

MDC: (1999 – 2019) Celebrating 20 Years of Tenacity and Courage

Luke Tamborinyoka
Deputy National Spokesperson
Movement for Democratic Change

Wiwa Set For Court Appearance Today On Treason Charges

MDC deputy national chairperson Job Sikhala was yesterday arrested on allegations of subverting a constitutionally-elected Government and is expected to appear in court today.

Addressing a rally in Bikita over the weekend, Sikhala is alleged to have said his party would overthrow the Government before 2023.

“We are a committed leadership that will give Zanu-PF headaches and (Amos) Chibaya was not lying or joking about the war and fight we are going to take to the doorstep of Emmerson Mnangagwa. We are going to overthrow him before 2023, that is not a joke,” he said.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest.

“We can confirm that Job Sikhala has been arrested for contravening Section 22 (2) (a) of the Criminal law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23) and will be appearing in court tomorrow,” he said.

MDC also confirmed the development on their website.

“Hon vice chair Sikhala has been charged with contravening Section 22(2)(a) of the Criminal Code; Subverting a Constitutionally Elected Government. A warned and cautioned statement has been recorded from him and he will appear in court tomorrow,” the party said.

On Monday, Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana said the undermining of a legitimate authority was a serious crime.

In a statement yesterday, MDC deputy national spokesperson Mr Luke Tamborinyoka said they had “noted with deep worry and concern” that Sikhala’s statements made during the rally in Bikita East over the weekend had caused uproar and they wished to clarify their position regarding the same.

“It is the party’s view that Hon Sikhala’s views as expressed at the rally and widely quoted in the Press were his own personal opinions, which we believe have been misconstrued and misinterpreted.

“For the record, the MDC believes in constitutional, peaceful, democratic, non-violent and legal means of resolving the national crisis. We have never been perpetrators of illegality and non-violence. If anything, we have always been the victims,” he said.

Man Nabbed For Repeatedly Raping Stepdaughter


A-53-YEAR-OLD Vumba man, who allegedly raped his teenage stepdaughter on three separate occasions, has appeared in court.


Stewart Nyare appeared before Mutare magistrate Mrs Loice Mukunyadzi yesterday.


The court heard how Nyare entered the minor’s room and started caressing her and raped her for the first time.


The prosecutor Mr Last Gore alleged that Nyare raped the girl again on another day, but she did not tell anyone. She only reported the abuse to a village health worker when Nyare raped her for the third time.


This was after she ran away from home because of the constant abuse.
The court also heard that before he allegedly raped his stepdaughter for the third time, Nyare promised to buy her books. The minor was examined by a doctor who confirmed the abuse.


In his defence, Nyare claimed his stepdaughter was a problem and he had reported her to her school headmaster.State media

Zanu PF Launches Campaign For Lupane East By-election

Thousands of Zanu-PF supporters in Matabeleland North Province are expected to converge at Gomoza Shopping Centre today for the launch of the Lupane East by-election campaign rally, Zanu-PF Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu has said.

Obert Mpofu


The seat fell vacant following the death of Zanu-PF parliamentarian Sithembiso Gumbo on April 5 at United Bulawayo Hospitals from injuries sustained in a road traffic accident.


President Mnangagwa has set August 3 as the day for the by-election and the ruling party is keen to retain the seat.


Nine candidates are vying for the seat, with Mbongeni Dube of Zanu-PF and Dalumuzi Khumalo of MDC-Alliance seen as the major contenders.


Other parties participating in the poll are; ZAPU, National Action Party, National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), National Patriotic Front, MDC-T and the Labour, Economists and African Democrats (LEAD) party.


Mpofu said the event will be graced by Zanu-PF Politburo members led by the party’s national Political Commissar Victor Matemadanda and some senior party members from Matabeleland North province.


“As Zanu-PF, we are going to launch the campaign for our Lupane East by-election which is at the heart of Matabeleland North province, following the passing on of our Member of Parliament Cde Gumbo,” said Mpofu.State media

Cushioning Allowances For Civil Servants

NATIONAL NEWS

Civil servants yesterday started receiving a cushioning allowance, while the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) convened a meeting to discuss an increment and other conditions of service for Government workers.


Members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) received salaries adjusted with the cushion allowance, while other members of the civil service are expected to get theirs on their scheduled pay dates.


Those who spoke to The Herald yesterday said they received an adjustment which ranged from around 40 percent of their usual salaries.


This dovetails with an assurance by Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube that civil servants will have an increment with effect from this month.


The NJNC, which brings together representatives of Government workers under the Apex Council and those representing the Government, held a marathon meeting yesterday to discuss conditions of service.


Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza said an agreement on the real salary increment should be reached by Wednesday.


“The NJNC will continue negotiations tomorrow (today). There should be an outcome by tomorrow or Wednesday,” she said.


In an interview, Apex Council president Mrs Cecilia Alexander said the meeting was aimed at affording them feedback following the proposal they submitted on conditions of service for civil servants could be improved.State media

NATIONAL NEWS

SB Moyo On “Diplomatic Offensive” But Will He Succeed?

As the Government presses full steam ahead with its engagement and re-engagement policy to restore broken ties with the wider world, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Sibusiso Moyo will later this week embark on an official visit to the United Kingdom, the architect of the country’s international isolation, the Ministry said on Monday.


In a statement, Foreign Affairs spokesperson Sheppard Gwenzi said although the reason for the visit was to attend a Global Conference for Media Freedom, the Minister would hold talks with British and Irish government officials.


“The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Dr Moyo will undertake an official visit to London in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 10 to 14 July 2019, to attend the Global Conference for Media Freedom.


“The conference will be co-hosted by the British and Canadian Governments. The UK foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt and the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Christina Alexandra Freeland will co-chair the conference,” he said.


Mr Gwenzi said the minister would use the visit to engage the United Kingdom government officials lined up.


“In addition to attending the Conference, the Minister would seek to engage with officials of Her Majesty’s Government with a view to further strengthen Zimbabwe’s bilateral relations with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,” he said.State media

Foreign Affairs Minister SB Moyo

Chasi In SA For “Power Talks”


Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi is in South Africa to finalise a power import deal with Eskom as the Government moves to reduce power shortages.


Minister Chasi’s trip to South Africa follows discussions between President Mnangagwa and his South African counterpart President Cyril Ramaphosa.


The two leaders met on the sidelines of the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Niger from July 4 to 8.


Critically, the discussions came after Government paid US$10 million to Eskom, as part of efforts to address its obligations for imported power.
Minister Chasi is also expected to visit Mozambique on a similar mission.


President Mnangagwa met President Felipe Nyusi of Mozambique during the US-Africa Summit recently and discussed possibilities of increasing power imports to Zimbabwe, which is facing acute electricity challenges due to low water levels at Kariba Hydro Power Station, and aging equipment at Hwange Thermal Power Station.


Rolling power outages have seen most parts of the country going without electricity for over 12 hours.
Addressing a Press conference on the 24th Cabinet Meeting Decision Matrix yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said Minister Chasi was expected to meet his counterpart Gwede Mantashe during his visit.


“Cabinet received the weekly brief on the Energy and Power Supply Situation by the Acting Minister of Energy and Power Development, Joel Biggie Matiza,” she said.State media

Fortune Chasi

Khama Billiat Threatens To Quit Warriors

STILL reeling from falling out of the Africa Cup of Nations finals following their disastrous showing, Zimbabwe now have to deal with their star player Khama Billiat’s threats to quit international football.


The Warriors crashed out of the tournament in Egypt winless after two losses and a draw. They suffered an emphatic 4-0 thumping at the hands of DR Congo last week in their final match.


A storm has erupted after their elimination with the team having been accused of match-fixing.
Not only that, Zifa has been accused of owing players money and leaving them without tickets to fly back home.


This has apparently left Billiat pondering his future with the national team.


“Khama is not happy with what happened at Afcon and is even thinking about quitting the national team,” an insider said.


The Kaizer Chiefs’ star apparently had to pay for his teammates’ flight back home after Zifa failed to make bookings for the team.


Billiat’s agent Mike Ngobeni refuted the claims that his client wanted to quit.


“Khama is still going to serve his country and will play for the national team,” Ngobeni.State media

Khama Billiat

Man Kills Father To Save Marriage


A 25-YEAR-OLD man from Mberengwa allegedly fatally axed his 72-year-old father and dumped the body in a disused mine shaft to save his marriage which his father was against.


Lonias Jojo (25) allegedly hatched a plan to kill his father, Luke Robert Jojo with his wife, Brenda Dube (18) of Village 4 Greenspan, Chief Bvute in Mberengwa last week Thursday.


It is alleged the elderly man did not like his daughter in law and always insisted that his son should divorce her.


Midlands Provincial Spokesperson, Inspector Goko confirmed the incident.


“On July 4 around 2PM Brenda came home drunk and had a misunderstanding with Luke who then instructed his son, Lonias to chase his wife away because he did not like her,” he said.


“This angered Lonias who took an axe from his bedroom and struck his father twice on the head. Luke died on the spot,” he said.


Insp Goko said the couple allegedly dumped Luke’s body in a mine shaft.
“Lonias and his wife Brenda allegedly ferried the deceased’s body in a wheelbarrow and threw it in a disused mine shaft about 400 meters away from their home,” he said.State media

Gwevava School In Gokwe Needs Toilets, Help

Gwevava School

By Rev TG Chivaviro | The building of a toilet and secondary school block is part of Gospel Artist, the Ebenezer hitmaker Rev T.T.Chivaviro’s social responsibility programme which he runs with full backing of his music fans.

Having been raised in the same Village of Gwehava, in Gokwe, Chivaviro realizes the challenges young boys and girls from that area face after completing primary school. The closet secondary school is some 6.5km away and eventually some kids who are not physically strong enough to walk 13km daily to and from school end up dropping out of school.

Therefore to give back to the same community that raised him, Chivaviro has secured and 10 hectare piece of land , fenced 4 hectares ,dug a deep water well inside and now intends to first build a toilet then the first classroom block with the help of well wishers. While the government has told him they don’t have resources at the moment to support the venture, the musician is prepared to go it alone with the help of all those that have been blessed by his music! The government has passed his venture .

The plan is to get the toilet and first block ready for forms 1&2 in Jan 2020, then proceed to higher classes after the take off.

About US$15000 is needed to get the project proceeding with the community offering most of the general labour needed. His fundraiser is running from 1st June to July 31st.

For the past 2 years ,under his social responsibility program, Rev Chivaviro has also been donating to various causes annually.He donated 500 books to 1 disadvantaged rural school in each of the 10 Provinces in Zim, then also paid School fees for about 21 rural kids last year for the whole year.

Bulawayo Residents Snub Matemadanda Demo

Farai Dziva|Zanu PF political commissar Victor Mademadanda left the city of Bulawayo in frustration after his planned demonstrations against price hikes did not materialize.

Mademadanda had organised demonstrations against prices in Bulawayo on Monday.

Only a handful of party supporters turned up for the demonstrations.

A crestfallen Matemadanda then went around the city interacting with residents.

“Go back and put your house in order, we have had enough of your propaganda,” an angry Bulawayo resident told Mademadanda.

Citizens Pledge To Support Sikhala

Farai Dziva|Concerned Zimbabweans have launched an initiative called #IStandWithJob in support of opposition MDC vice chairperson, Job Sikhala.

Yesterday the MDC said the remarks made by Sikhala did not represent the position of the party.

Posting on Facebook, party deputy spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka wrote:
“The MDC believes in non-violence, legality and constitutionalism
The MDC notes with deep worry and concern that Hon.

Job Sikhala’s statements made during a rally in Bikita East over the weekend have caused uproar and the party wishes to clarify its position regarding the same.

It is the party’s view that Hon. Sikhala’s views as expressed at the rally and widely quoted in the press were his own personal opinions, which we believe have been misconstrued and misinterpreted.”

Concerned Zimbabweans have however vowed to support the ” under siege” Sikhala.